Monday 1st July 2019

Top 5 Family Attractions in North Devon

North Devon has a wide variety of attractions for visitors of all ages. If you're enjoying a stay at one our self-catering cottages near Woolacombe, you'll be perfectly placed to enjoy the adventure parks and family attractions in the area surrounding Willingcott Valley. With this guide you'll be able to find something for everyone, no matter what the season or weather. There are many highly recommended experiences and things to do in North Devon, here's our top 5 family attractions that create great holiday memories...

Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park

Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park offers the unique opportunity to see and interact with animals and dinosaurs in one place. The family run park is set in an Area of Outstanding National Beauty and just a short 10 mile drive from Willingcott Valley. Visit Dinosaur Valley to witness the UK's only full-size animatronic Tyrannosaurus Rex, and ride the Dino Express train where you’ll experience a realistic earthquake!

The wildlife park provides the chance to meet meerkats, primates, reptiles, lions, sea lions and it boasts the largest pack of Hudson Bay Wolves in the UK. Families can also visit the Critter Cavern, Tomb of the Pharaohs, Dinosaur Museum and the ‘Dinosaurus Playzone’ a huge indoor soft play area! A truly interactive experience for all the family!

The Milky Way Adventure Park

The Milky Way is an award-winning adventure park near Clovelly providing an unforgettable family experience. The all-weather park offers both indoor and outdoor activities, well-worth the 25 mile drive from Willingcott Valley. Out of this world rides and attractions include Ziggy's Blast Quest, The Gravity Rider donut slide, The Time Warp, The Cosmic Typhoon roller coaster, and The Droid Destroyer dodgems.

North's Devon's biggest indoor adventure play area can be found at The Milky Way as well as live shows, and displays from North Devon Bird of Prey Centre. The kids will love the Little Stars play centre, Bouncing Balloon Room, Cosmic Caterpillar ride and a ride on the mini-train, whilst sports fans can test their aim on the mini golf, archery or laser target shooting. There are so many things to see and do, you'll have no problem occupying an action-packed day of adventure. All the rides are included in the entrance fee, so you'll want to experience as much as possible! 

The Big Sheep

The BIG Sheep is an award-winning all-weather family attraction, and just 20 miles from Willingcott Valley its guaranteed to be one of the highlights of your holiday. With a busy programme of events suitable for all the family, entertainment is guaranteed even on rainy days. A visit to the BIG Sheep would involve interaction with the animals, enjoying live shows and releasing energy in the Ewetopia Indoor Playground.

The Rampage Rollercoaster is credited as being North Devon’s largest ride and therefore a big draw. Other unique activities to check out include giant jumping pillows, the Twister ride, splash zone and archery tag. Gentle rides intended for toddlers include Piggy Pull-Along, Tractor Safari, self-drive Tractor Track, Pony Rides, Vintage Carousel and Swan pedaloes. Adults can enjoy the on-site brewery and gin distillery! Round off a great day at The BIG Sheep with a bet on the well-known Sheep Race.

Exmoor Zoo

Exmoor Zoo is a renowned conservation centre located within the beautiful Exmoor National Park and has previously won the gold award for best attraction in the South West. This zoo is an ideal day out for all the family and offers a multitude of unique hands-on experiences, just 14 miles from Willingcott Valley. Exmoor Zoo has some unique and very unusual animals; Binturong, Singing Dogs, Tayra, Sand Cats, Hunting Dogs, Tamandua and Yellow Throated Marten to name a few! Activities run throughout the day; meet a bird eating spider, hold a snake, feed the wallabies, bug handling, meet some of the zoos friendly furry animals and attend talks and feeding sessions. 

Exmoor Zoo is home to the “Exmoor Beast” a pair of black leopards, Puma’s, Cheetah’s, Maned Wolves, and a wide variety of Monkeys. The zoo is a fabulous space that is evolving all the time therefore no visit is ever the same. The site offers; disabled access with wheelchair provision and scooter hire, children’s playground, undercover picnic areas and a Zoo trail.

Watermouth Family Theme Park & Castle

The stunning Watermouth Castle has been turned into one of North Devon’s premier tourist attractions with entertainment for all the family. The theme park offers an enchanting mix of children's activities and nostalgic blasts from the past, appealing to all ages. Explore Adventure Land with the Thunder Luge Toboggan run, Playground and Snail Trail ride, Castle Treasures, the Dungeon Labyrinth, Water Show Extravaganza, Gnome Land and Merry Go Land that includes Swing boats, slides and a Steam Carousel. A fantastic day out for all, and only 7 miles from Willingcott Valley. All attractions mentioned offer a range of amenities, great cafes to grab a bite to eat and plentiful parking.

Please refer to the individual websites for opening times, admission prices and disabled access.

We hope you’ve been inspired by reading our recommendations for the best family attraction in North Devon. If you’d like to make them part of your holiday then why not stay at Willingcott Valley Holiday Village, we provide family friendly self-catering holiday cottages, and are located just 2 miles from Woolacombe beach. Willingcott Valley guests will also have access to discount vouchers for a number of these attractions ranging from 10-20%. We look forward to welcoming you.

<< return to blog list